Amateur
Entomologists'
Society

Entomology courses

The Field Studies Council organises various entomological courses, for beginners and more experienced entomologists: http://www.field-studies-council.org

However, in order to pursue entomology as a career in the UK, it is necessary to obtain a good degree in a science subject (usually biological sciences) and then take an MSc or PhD. The following universities are currently offering MSc courses in entomology:

BSc (Hons) Natural History and Animal Behaviour (Anglia Ruskin University)

This course was the first of its kind in the UK. It was designed to bring together taxonomic and observational skills - in the way that was so effectively utilised by earlier generations of natural historians like Gilbert White and even Charles Darwin. An ability to closely observe nature has led to many more recent developments in ecology, biogeography, evolution and animal behaviour.

The aims of the Natural History and Animal Behaviour course are to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to describe, identify and evaluate the conservation status of different species and their habitats. In addition to biological topics, modules which help to develop observational skills such as natural history photography are currently available.

How to Apply:

Use the normal UCAS application forms to apply for this course, further details can be found online at http://www.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/faculties/fst/departments/lifesciences/apply.html

MSc in Applied entomology (Imperial College)

There is no other Masters level course on offer in UK universities that focuses on entomology as a local, national and international issue. The course is also unique in offering students the chance to further specialise by taking either the Applied Entomology option or the Insect Conservation & Diversity option. The Applied Entomology option runs alongside the other Crop Protection MSc courses and will particularly appeal to students who wish to become involved in integrated crop management, pest management, general entomology or who wish to go on to postgraduate research.

Students with first degrees (minimum requirement 2(ii) UK Honours Degree, or equivalent overseas qualification or suitable work experience) in agriculture, biological sciences, conservation, forestry, zoology and related subjects.

How to Apply:

Application forms are available from:

Admissions Office
Imperial College London
South Kensington campus
London SW7 2AZ

or online at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus/applicationforms

For additional information on research opportunities, contact:

The Director of Postgraduate Studies
Imperial College London
South Kensington campus
London SW7 2AZ

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 2251
Email: j.phipps@imperial.ac.uk.

Further information on the Faculties Master's courses is available from the course directors.

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MRes in integrated crop pest & disease management (Imperial College)

This research-based course provides students with an understanding of the basic and applied aspects of research in the field of crop protection (entomology, plant pathology [bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses], chemical and biological control). The course can be based at either the Silwood Park campus or the South Kensington campus or can be split between the two. Both campuses, with their large, research-active faculty, 'state-of-the-art' facilities, and wide links to academic researchers and crop protection professionals in the UK and abroad, are very well provided to offer the course. The course comprises a comprehensive lecture and seminar series with two 18-week research projects. It equips science graduates with the necessary skills to proceed to a PhD and an established career in applied crop protection and related areas e.g. forestry or the agrochemical industry. Workshops and seminars in transferable skills are organised by the Graduate School of Life Sciences and Medicine.

The course is full-time for 12 months starting in October. Candidates will normally be expected to hold a first or upper second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate science subject. Some bursaries are available.

How to Apply:

Application forms are available from:

Admissions Office
Imperial College London
South Kensington campus
London SW7 2AZ

or online at http://www.imperial.ac.uk/pgaf

For additional information on research opportunities, contact:

The Director of Postgraduate Studies
Imperial College London
South Kensington campus
London SW7 2AZ

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 2251
Email: j.phipps@imperial.ac.uk.

Further information on the Faculties Master's courses is available from the course directors.

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MPhil/PhD/MIHR (School of Tropical Medicine)

Taught Postgraduate course information:

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is one of the few postgraduate Centres of Excellence in the world in the field of Tropical Medicine and its allied disciplines.

How to apply:

Applications should be sent directly to:

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Pembroke Place
Liverpool L3 5QA

Programme contact: Miss Penny Booth
Telephone: +44 (0)151 705 3266
Fax: +44 (0)151 705 3348
Email: p.j.booth2@liv.ac.uk
Web site: http://www.liv.ac.uk/lstm/

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MSc Medical Parasitology (Oxford University)

This course aims to:

  1. provide core training in the theoretical and practical aspects of medical parasitology, covering the protozoan and metazoan parasites of humans and the vectors which transmit them, and
  2. equip students with specialised skills to enable them to pursue a career in research, control or teaching related to medical parasitology. Specialised study units are chosen from a list of diverse topics ranging, for example, from Practical Training in Gene Cloning, to Advanced Diagnostic Parasitology and to Methods of Vector Control.

Graduates from this course go into fields ranging from diagnostics through to applied basic research and operational control to higher degree studies and academic/teaching-related positions.

The Patrick Buxton Memorial Medal and Prize is awarded to the best student of the year. Founded by relatives of Patrick Alfred Buxton, Professor in Entomology, who died in 1955.

Further information from:

Graduate Administrator, MSc Medical Parasitology
Department of Zoology
Tinbergen Building,
South Parks Road
Oxford
OX1 3PS

Telephone: +44 (0)1865 271286
Email: graduate.office@zoo.ox.ac.uk
Web site: http://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk

Average numbers admitted per year PhD 25 - 30, MSc 20

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Entomology (University of Nebraska, Lincoln)

The distance master's degree in entomology is designed for site-bound students who could not otherwise pursue an advanced degree. This non-research based degree program emphasizes work in entomology and flexibility in non-entomological training specific to individual student needs and interests. Potential audiences for this degree include crop consultants, science teachers, farmers, vocational agriculture instructors, agriculturalists (such as co-operative, seed or chemical company employees) and workers in environmental protection and conservation organizations. Each class is recorded on VHS videotape and sent directly to the student. Additionally, select classes are available via the Internet to watch at your convenience. Students will be able to discuss class materials with other classmates through e-mail. Internet access is desirable and e-mail is required.

E-mail: ent-distance@unlnotes.unl.edu

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Life Sciences (University of Maryland, College Park)

This program enables practising science teachers to pursue an advanced degree by earning a 30-credit interdisciplinary graduate degree in life sciences from the University of Maryland.

The Master of Life Sciences degree is Web-based so you can e-learn and earn your graduate degree when and where it is most convenient for you, while satisfying state requirements for the Career Development Standard Professional Certificate. Put the power of technology to work for your educational career goals with the same high standards of academic excellence and resources associated with the University of Maryland. Everything you need to get started is right here.

Email: onlinestudies@umail.umd.edu

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Master of Science in Entomology (University of Florida)

Courses for the M.S. degree in entomology are offered via distance education to accommodate place-bound students interested in biological science with emphasis on insects and other arthropods, including extension agents and other educators; state and federal employees in agricultural, environmental and regulatory positions; consultants; pest control industry personnel; and others who want to further their education.

Email: gradc@ifas.ufl.edu

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